Carl Ellan Kelley, sometimes written as Carol Ellan Kelley or Carol Ellan Franklin Kelley, was a member of one of America’s most iconic musical families. Born in 1940, she was the daughter of the famous Baptist minister and gospel figure Rev. C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings. While her name is not as globally recognized as that of her half-sister, Aretha Franklin—the Queen of Soul—Carl Ellan Kelley lived a life interwoven with a family that made significant contributions to American music, culture, and spiritual life.
This article explores in detail who Carl Ellan Kelley was, her family background, her siblings, her upbringing, her cause of death, and the legacy she left behind.
Early Life of Carl Ellan Kelley
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her birth was the result of a relationship between Rev. Clarence LaVaughn Franklin (C. L. Franklin), a well-known Baptist preacher and gospel singer, and Mildred Jennings. Jennings was a young girl at the time, and much of this detail has been noted in biographies about C. L. Franklin and his family.
Because of the circumstances of her birth, Carl Ellan Kelley was primarily raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, who played a central role in her upbringing. Kelley’s early years were spent away from her father, but as she grew older, she eventually connected with him and other members of the Franklin family.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Parents: C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings
- Father – Rev. C. L. Franklin: Born in 1915, C. L. Franklin became one of America’s most famous Black Baptist preachers. His sermons were broadcast nationally, and he was known as the “man with the million-dollar voice.” Beyond his preaching, he was also influential in the civil rights movement and the gospel music scene. He had several children with different partners, one of whom was Carl Ellan Kelley.
- Mother – Mildred Jennings: Unlike C. L. Franklin, Mildred Jennings lived her life largely outside the public eye. What is most noted in historical accounts is her relationship with Franklin, which resulted in the birth of Carl Ellan. Jennings did not maintain a high public profile, and thus details about her later life remain scarce. However, her name is forever tied to the Franklin family’s complex legacy.
Siblings of Carl Ellan Kelley
Carl Ellan Kelley’s most recognized siblings came through her father, C. L. Franklin. These included some of the most legendary names in American music history:
- Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): Known worldwide as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha became one of the greatest singers of all time, with hits such as Respect, Natural Woman, and Think. Her career spanned over six decades, making her one of the most influential figures in music.
- Erma Franklin (1938–2002): A gifted singer in her own right, Erma recorded her own songs and also worked as a backing vocalist. She is best known for the original recording of Piece of My Heart, later made famous by Janis Joplin.
- Carolyn Franklin (1944–1988): Another musically talented sister, Carolyn was a singer and songwriter. She wrote songs for Aretha, including Ain’t No Way, which became a classic.
- Rev. Cecil Franklin (1949–1989): Cecil became a preacher like his father, often working alongside the family and supporting Aretha later in her career.
In total, Carl Ellan Kelley was part of a family that left a permanent mark on gospel, soul, and American culture.
Upbringing and Personal Life
While Kelley was born into a famous family, her own life remained relatively private compared to her siblings. She spent much of her childhood under the care of her grandmother, who ensured she had stability and guidance. Later in life, Carl Ellan married and became known as Carl Ellan Kelley, raising her own children and building her own family life.
Her obituary and funeral home records mention that she was a mother and grandmother, survived by children and grandchildren who carried on her legacy. Unlike her famous half-siblings, she lived a quieter life away from the public spotlight, but she remained connected to her family roots.
Cause of Death
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. Reports indicate that her cause of death was linked to heart-related issues, including a possible heart attack and complications from heart disease. She was 78 years old at the time of her passing.
Her death was felt deeply by her family and those who knew her personally. While she did not live a life of fame and celebrity like Aretha, her passing marked the end of a chapter in the extended Franklin family history.
Funeral and Burial
Carl Ellan Kelley’s funeral service was held in Detroit, where she lived for many years. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, the same cemetery where other Franklin family members, including Aretha Franklin, are buried. Woodlawn Cemetery has become a resting place for some of Detroit’s most prominent figures, and Kelley’s interment there ties her final chapter to her family’s legacy.
Legacy and Memory
Although she was not a public figure, Carl Ellan Kelley’s life story is part of the broader Franklin narrative. Her siblings made music that changed the world, while she chose a quieter, more private life. Yet, her presence reminds us that every family story is multifaceted—there are those who stand in the spotlight and those who support from the background.
Her life represents resilience, family ties, and the challenges of being connected to a prominent legacy. Remembering Carl Ellan Kelley is not only about acknowledging her existence but also about understanding the complexity of the Franklin family and its impact on American history.
Conclusion
Carl Ellan Kelley’s journey was marked by her unique place in the Franklin family. Born to C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, she was the half-sister of legendary singers Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, and Rev. Cecil Franklin. Though she lived a life away from the spotlight, her story is deeply tied to one of America’s most influential families. She passed away in 2019 due to heart-related causes, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and a legacy of her own.
Her life is a reminder that history is not only made by the famous names but also by the lesser-known individuals whose lives and connections give depth to those stories. Remembering her enriches our understanding of the Franklin family.
For more such biographies and life stories, visit my blog Sinuly Celebrities, where I share detailed accounts of historical and cultural figures.
